Brief overview:

Rua wakes up with no memories, only the knowledge that she is not Emma, the girl everyone believes her to be. As she tries to adjust to the Manhattan elite social life of the 1870s, her memories come back little by little.

My thoughts:

At first I was super into this book, it's very well written in the sense that the reader feels transported to the 1870s high class lifestyle, flaws and all. The story also reads like a mystery, while you want to find out what is happening, you realize you've spent 95% of the book wondering what is happening and you still don't really have any answers. Did it still keep me interested, even though the story felt repetitive and confusing? Absolutely, finished it in 24 hours. I don't mind a book that keeps me guessing, but I was truly just confused the whole time and the final payout wasn't quite as good as I was hoping for. The ending felt really abrupt given all the buildup in the last two chapters.

Would I recommend it? If you are really into Irish mythology and 1800s socialites, sure! If you are looking for a satisfying conclusion primarily, I'd suggest skipping this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

The Gods Time Forgot combines Irish mythology and 1870s New York in a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance. Rua, with no memory of her past, poses as a missing debutante, uncovering dark secrets and an undeniable connection with Finn. A gripping read with a touch of magic and mystery.

Rua wakes up only knowing her name and no memory of anything else. Although everyone else thinks she's Emma, the missing daughter of the wealthy Harrington family. Rua plays along until she can figure out who she is and where the real Emma actually went.

It's an interesting concept, mixed with New York 1870's high society, Irish mythology and a little romance. I found it to be an easy read, with some parts dragging a little but not enough to hinder the storyline.

I always love a book that dips into Irish mythology. I will say that I was a bit confused by the ending and how the whole "immortality" thing was working out. However, I loved Rua and her relationship with Finn. The romance was stunning. I don't think most people will fully understand the book, but I do think many will enjoy it.

What drew me in was the cover and the synopsis. Unfortunately I have to DNF. I feel that nothing is really going on with the plot. I was expecting more fantasy than romance and that wasn’t the case. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

To get straight to the point, I LOVED it!

Rua finds herself in a strange new world with no knowledge of who she is and how she got there. The only thing she is certain of is that she’s not Emma Harrington, despite everyone is saying that she is.

Enter, Finn: the handsome Irish stringer who Rua is inexplicably drawn to, and he to her. But why? Neither can help feeling that they’ve met before, in another life, but surely they couldn’t have. Could they?

For me, this moved at just the right pace. Nothing seemed to be too drawn out and enough was revealed throughout the book to keep me turning those pages until the end. Now I need the next book to find out what happens!

If I had one minor gripe, and it really is minor, I’d say the end happened a little too quickly. The build up was great but then suddenly, it was done and I was left with a, ‘well, what happened?’ feeling.

Overall though, a super book and something different from the usual, for me anyway.

Oh, and the pronunciation guide at the start was absolutely essential!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read The Gods Time Forgot, I wish it every success.

Rua found herself being mistaken for another, a girl named Emma- She had to try and fit into a society she can't remember ever being in, while trying to ignore the pull between her and Finn.

Just wow, this book was exciting and mysterious all at once; I almost couldn't stop reading. I loved how it uses Irish folklore and tales which isn't a normal thing in most books. There was almost a Pride and Prejudice theme to the flow of the story; the quiet un-liked girl gains the attention of the well respected (Soon to be betrothed) man. Everything about this book just made sense to me and I loved the writing. The use of flashbacks was used well to develop the mystery of their past. For lovers of romance this is a good book to read, even better If a dash of fantasy is preferred.

The book was slow at times, making a few chapters difficult to get to as it was the same thing repeated a few times. But the ending really picked up the pace making it much more exciting and it was worth the ending.

Thank you for Net Galley for an early copy.

(2.5 stars rounding up)

Somewhere within New York’s gilded age some gods that time forgot are in hiding—so the blurb and the title say. And that’s enough of a cross-realm description to lure me in, more so when Emma Harrington disappears, then re-emerges, though it seems as though someone else has inhabited her body to a purpose yet unknown to us. She’s that woman named Rua, who finds herself suddenly part of a family that is nouveau rich, obsessively concerned about their standing in society…and against everything she does and says. But her efforts to stealthily find out the story behind Emma’s disappearance and her distinct lack of memories is a journey of roadblocks, nasty high-society manoeuvrings and an Irish lord named Finn with whom she finds an inexplicable connection.

It’s a mystery that stretches over the course of the book though and its slow-pacing had me putting it down and taking it up quite a few times before I could continue. The build-up however, didn’t come until very much towards the end, and the abrupt conclusion was very much akin to falling off a cliff and not really knowing what happened when the curtain closes on a pair that barely knew what to do with themselves.

And as much as I love the idea of reincarnated lovers, I particularly found Rua to be quite a dislikable character that I could never warm up to, despite her being the protagonist. In fact; if at first I found her daring wildness quite a refreshing take against those who were determined to drive her into a corner, there wasn’t much more to go on from thereafter. Her quest to find out what really happened to her made her lash out at anything and everything, and her denial of her past and her own jealousy made her odiously unpleasant.

Admittedly, the Harrington family and high society were as pleasant as mud, yet there was nothing other than anger and resentment that seemed to define Rua's very grating personality in the book. If this was an effort to portray her as a vengeful, near-unknowable part of the Morrigan, then I’d say the author succeeded; as a human character however, Rua-as-a-human-being remained more one-dimensional myth rather than living, breathing flesh and blood, caring little for most people around her unless they serve her purposes. In essence, not too different from her evil mythic-counterpart embodiment of scheming, recklessness and violence…and nothing much more that that I wanted to read about--like reclaiming a part of her humanity in this realm that had given her that second chance.

Clearly Finn/Rua's somewhat murky past dictates the present. But the tragic tale of enemies to lovers is slowly and disjointedly revealed as non-linear snippets that they both dream-remember, inadvertently forcing the reader to take quite a few stabs in the dark about their story. As such, their present lives and their connection were hardly justified by a past that came across like wispy, unclear fragments disappearing into myths (as their past characters really were) instead of feeling like a monumentally romantic tragedy that could have more concretely anchor their present-day selves. Consequently, the push-pull between Finn and Rua felt magnetic at first, then sort of faded into a tepid link joining two restless characters who wanted and equally frustrated each other without really having a clear sense of their history together.

It’s all revealed by the end rather abruptly of course, but it could have been a case of too little, too late as Finn and Rua kept dancing around each other for a long while, then went berserk at the end. That it quite literally ended like that made this feel like a read that could have been so much more but wasn’t.


*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

The Gods Time Forgot is an utterly captivating mix of Irish mythology, historical romance, and dark magic set against the glittering backdrop of Gilded Age Manhattan. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez’s debut seamlessly combines lush historical detail with fantastical elements, crafting a romantasy that kept me spellbound until the final page.

Rua’s journey is mesmerizing. With no memories of her past, her decision to step into the life of Emma Harrington sets the stage for a gripping story of mystery, self-discovery, and forbidden romance. Her chemistry with Finn, the enigmatic Lord of Donore, crackles with tension, making their enemies-to-lovers dynamic feel both heartfelt and electric. Finn’s charm and hidden depths perfectly complement Rua’s determination and resilience, making them a couple you can’t help but root for.

The incorporation of Irish mythology is masterfully done, adding a rich, magical layer to the plot that slowly unfolds as Rua’s memories return. The balance between the societal pressures of New York’s elite and the darker, otherworldly elements of Rua’s past is flawlessly executed, pulling you into both the glitzy and shadowy sides of the story.

This book is perfect for fans of sweeping romantasy like Outlander or A Fate Inked in Blood. It’s a tale of love, identity, and ancient secrets that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. With vivid world-building, an enthralling mystery, and a romance that simmers with intensity, The Gods Time Forgot is a must-read for anyone craving a richly layered and beautifully written escape.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez, and Alcove Press for the eARC of this book.

Insanely good world building, very few times have I inhaled a book quite like this one, it reminded me of reading a book from when I was a kid just grown up to match my current tastes. I loved both the main characters and loved the idea of the story, as someone who has both read and been obsessed with irish myths when i was graduating elementary school. No notes would read again and/or read something else by this same author

I had a tough time with this book; it's a very slow-paced romance, and the plot is also slow-paced. If you can stick with it, the novel is well-written, but it does tend to drag.

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is a delightful blend of historical romance and mythology, offering a fresh and immersive experience for fans of romantasy. Set in the lavish Gilded Age of 1870s Manhattan, the story follows Rua, a mysterious young woman navigating high society after being mistaken for a missing debutante, and Finn, an enigmatic figure tied to her forgotten past.

Gonzalez’s world-building is exquisite, seamlessly intertwining Irish mythology with the opulence and intrigue of the era. The chemistry between Rua and Finn is a highlight, with their dynamic interactions driving the emotional core of the story. The plot is rich with twists, blending romance, mystery, and magical elements to keep readers captivated.

While the novel excels in atmosphere and character development, the pacing occasionally falters, with some sections feeling slower than others. A few plot points are somewhat predictable, but the engaging writing and unique premise make up for these minor shortcomings.

Overall, The Gods Time Forgot is a strong debut, filled with wit, charm, and a touch of magic. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves historical settings, mythological intrigue, and a sweeping romance with just the right amount of darkness. Highly recommended!

I DNF'd this book at 20 percent.

I want to start by saying I heard of this book on Instagram some time ago and I am happy for the author to finally have her book published!

This book was not for me but that is due to my error in not paying more attention to the description. I don't tend to like books about high society especially in a book I thought was going to be a fantasy. In addition, this book failed to grip me with the ever-so-slight clunky writing style. Like I said, I did not finish this book but I would recommend to someone who enjoys the things in the books description.

I can’t stop thinking about this book. There is something about the feral wildness of the Irish mythology and the forced propriety of gilded era New York that really work. I think the pacing of the ending is a mess but would still recommend. There’s just a spark that I think is special. Would love to see what else this author does in the future.

I seriously didn't know how to rate this book.

The writing was decent. The use of the language was proper. But while I really enjoyed the plot and the story line, the execution was a bit 'off', for me.

We meet with the fmc, Rua, a woman crawling out of a mysterious hole on the ground with loss of memories, and in the place of another woman, Emma. Trying to navigate through this new world of hers and find who she truly is. The struggles of a woman in the said timeline were incredible, I must say, the way they’ve been described.

I adored the relationship between Rua and Finn. There was enough tension between them to keep you hooked on their story. The anticipation of learning what had actually happened between them was the first and foremost thing that kept me reading. The gradual suspense development created a nice atmosphere.

That being said, if you don't like slow paced romance AND plot, I'm afraid this book might not be for you. Let me elaborate.

For the first 20% of the book nothing important happens and it feels flat. Only after that we properly get the understanding that we are dealing with a historical romance. But then again, only at the last 35-40% of the book we see an existent plot. Up until then, all we were presented with were repeated things of:
'Oh, we mean and mighty people get what we want,' along with,
'Everyone hates me, stares at me, whispers behind my back and points the finger at me.'
Like, for real, dude. We got it the first thirty times you said it. Get to the point.

Throughout the book, we learned details about unimportant things, but when it came to the significant ones everything was fast-paced.
The magic? Only for a fleeting moment. The action? A passing sentence, like it was a footnote at the bottom of the page. And all that, not until the very last parts of the book.

Again, this is me and MY opinion. If you enjoy very-very slow plots and light reads, then this book is made for you, for certain.

There is nowhere mentioned about a sequel but I really hope that there will be one. The ending was a clear cliffhanger for me.

Despite the things I didn't enjoy much, I will definitely read one if there is, cause the story had me hooked. Also, let's not forget that this is a debut novel. I see a lot of potential in this author.

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is an engrossing journey through mythology, mystery, and the human psyche. Gonzalez masterfully blends ancient legends with a modern twist, inviting readers into a world where gods are real and their power is anything but forgotten. Her characters are richly drawn and complex, each one grappling with forces beyond their control yet finding resilience and strength in unexpected ways.

The novel’s pacing is both suspenseful and lyrical, keeping readers on edge while also allowing them to savor Gonzalez’s beautiful prose. Her storytelling feels both intimate and epic, making this a perfect read for those who love mythology-inspired tales with depth and heart.

With an engaging plot and vividly described settings, The Gods Time Forgot is more than just a fantasy novel; it’s a meditation on power, destiny, and what it means to be human. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez has crafted a truly memorable work that lingers long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for fans of mythological fiction and fantasy alike.

YIKES this had so much promise and just did not deliver! The premise is so intriguing - we start out with Rua, awakening in an unfamiliar place with no memory of her previous life. She's thrust into a gilded age society world as "Emma" the daughter of the Harrington family, and starts to have flashbacks to life as an Irish war goddess. Unfortunately, the flashbacks weren't effective in illustrating that side of the story and began to feel confusing and uninteresting. There wasn't an effective villain, and the other sides of the Morrison didn't feel present enough to add any tension to the story. I was more scared of Annette than of Balb.

I love it when a book captivates me by its cover and then wins me over by all its other aspects! When I saw this book on Netgalley I simply couldn't resist and I was so pleased when my request was accepted that I started reading straight away. The beginning is a little slow and made me not get into the story right away, but it soon becomes so intriguing that is almost impossible to stop reading. Rua is a mysterious character, even to herself, as she has no memory of who she is. I loved to gradually unraveling her as she unraveled herself too. A strong and complex character, but also atypical, which is what I liked most about her. Thrown into the 19th century New York’s society, Rua has to unravel who she really is while pretending to be someone else and integrating into the high society of the time, which provides just the right amount of drama. But it's when the MMC, Finn, appears that the story really becomes addictive. The banter between these two, the way they tease each other, how they are gradually more affected by each interaction and how it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid the attraction, how they are true to each other even when they hide so much from the world, the chemistry and palpable tension, the author has built a romance that is impossible to remain indifferent to. But also the way Finn always treats Rua as an equal in a world that sees women as inferior, this made me love him on a whole new level! The fantasy aspect ends up taking more of a scundary role to the romance and character development and, although I would have liked to have seen it explored more, I didn't miss it too much. The story of these two and their evolutions as individuals shines on its own and the touch of gods and Irish mythology ends up being a touch of something more that affirms this book as part of the romantasy subgenre with immense potential to become a favorite for those who like the genre. The ending was a bit abrupt and I missed an epilogue that would have wrapped up the story better, but I loved the fact that it was more open-ended so as to leave room for a sequel, like a door sighly open. The kind of ending that leaves you longing for a sequel, but also feeling good if it doesn't happen.
This book turned out to be a very nice surprise, with kinda of lyrical writing, a sweeping romance, a mix of Divine Rivals and Bridgerton that was so engaging and addictive and that I loved to have the chance to read the arc. A read that captivated me, that ended up becoming a favorite and that I highly recommend!


Plot & World 4⭐
Characters 5⭐
Enjoyment 4⭐
Writting 5⭐

Overall 4.5⭐

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove press for providing this advanced reader copy. This book was super interesting! It was definitely out of my normal reading comfort zone, and unlike anything I have read before. In this book, which I believe is a standalone, you follow Rua/Emma who wakes up in the woods after being lost for 2 days - the catch? Rua/Emma doesn’t remember her past at all, and is unsure of who she is. This book is set during the gilded age in NYC, and in many ways could be classified as a historical romance. The romance is definitely a slow-burn, which I do believe was the right choice contextually. Rua’s love interest Finn is drawn to her, as she is to him from day one despite societal expectations that have cast Rua as a witch and evildoer. There is a strong connection to Irish folklore throughout the book, and it is done in a way that is easily explained and doesn’t require any prior knowledge. However, I wish there was an even stronger inclusion of Irish folklore throughout the book, as the fantasy element only picked up in the second half. Thus, I would classify this book as more of a historical romance with a fantasy sub-plot. That being said, that is just my personal preference, and I don’t think that hindered the plot or the book in any way. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez’s expertise really shines through her excellent dialogue. The dialogue and interactions we got to see between Rua and Finn were absolutely amazing, and Rua’s sharp wit had me laughing every few pages! The writing was definitely breathtaking at times, and I found myself highlighting quotes every second chapter or so. An unexpected factor of this book was how dark it turned, particularly in the last 30% of the book. This was definitely done to fit in with the folklore aspects of the book, and I do think it complimented the vision, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it and while I enjoyed the depth it created, it is worth noting some of the darker themes before starting this book. This book had so many strong elements, and is an amazing debut from Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez! I recommend you pick up this book in April of next year if you are looking for a unique historical romance with strong ties to Irish mythology and darker themes.

Favourite Quotes:

“I thought as much. A man of your stature could never stand to listen to the wicked things I might say”

“I daresay you wouldn’t like it. Far too many thoughts and considerations for a man to keep pace”

“He was a moth and she the flame, and he was going to get burned. There was no doubt about it”

“He was familiar and forbidden. Her own personal paradise. Nothing would ever compare. He belonged only to her”

This one was not a favorite for me, unfortunately. I love the cover, the premise sounds super intriguing, and the author is a great tiktok personality, but I just found myself bored with the story. I really wanted to like it but the pacing was just too slow for the majority of the book; it felt like a romance novel with the fantasy portion just an afterthought packed into the ending.